(PRESS RELEASE) NEW YORK NY — The GEM Awards Committee and David Yurman have announced the recipient of the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant. Johnny Nelson of Johnny Nelson Jewelry was selected as the Grant recipient and will receive $50,000 as well as mentoring meetings with David Yurman executives and consultative meetings with other industry leaders. Nelson will be honored on stage during the 24th annual GEM Awards on March 13, 2026.
Johnny Nelson
Johnny Nelson Jewelry offers a range of sculptural pieces, including hair beads, rings, bracelets, crowns, body armor, anklets, earrings, and neckpieces. Each item is hand-sculpted from materials such as sterling silver, 14 and 18-karat gold, wax, resin, sandstone, and precious gems, including diamonds, emeralds, and garnets. Each piece makes a statement, fusing heritage, political consciousness, and artistry. Beyond the core collection, Johnny Nelson also offers limited-edition collaborations and custom commissions.
“I am blessed, honored, and grateful to receive the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant. To be recognized by David and Sybil Yurman, along with the esteemed GEM Awards Committee—leaders who have helped shape the landscape of American fine jewelry—is profoundly meaningful. This award affirms my commitment to amplifying culture and legacy through craftsmanship, art, and design. I am excited for the doors this grant will open for Johnny Nelson Jewelry and for the invaluable mentorship opportunities with David Yurman and team, to whom I greatly respect and admire,” says Johnny Nelson.
Nelson was selected following in-person presentations to David and Sybil Yurman and the GEM Awards Grant Committee. The other finalists were Hiba Husayni of Zahn-Z, Jules Kim of Bijules, Dorian Webb, and Lorraine West. The finalists will attend GEM Awards and will receive mentoring support from the Grant Committee. There were 90 submissions received during the nomination period.
“With the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, we’re proud to support emerging designers at a pivotal moment – when resources and mentorship can help transform momentum into lasting impact. Made with intention, Johnny Nelson’s work feels personal – each piece reflecting his ongoingrelationship with form, meaning, and material. We’re honored to invest in his next chapter through our Grant and our ongoing mentorship,” says David Yurman.
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The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant was created in partnership with Jewelers of America, the trade association that operates GEM Awards, and David Yurman, David Yurman Enterprises LLC, to support and foster an emerging fine jewelry designer who has been in business for at least three years and shows exceptional promise.
“Johnny Nelson has been charting his own course in the jewelry world from the moment he became a designer. His work has been displayed in museum exhibitions such as the landmark Ice Cold at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and participated in some impressive collaborations with major brands such as Adidas. His presentation for the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant had a wonderful combination of sharing his past achievements and a specificity of areas for potential growth he could achieve with additional funding, mentoring and recognition. We are all thrilled he is our inaugural Grant winner,” says GEM Awards Chair Marion Fasel.
Johnny Nelson, Johnny Nelson Jewelry – Johnny Nelson found he had not just a genuine passion for jewelry, but the raw talent and creative vision to match. What began as a single ring made by his mother has evolved into a body of work that honors the beauty, resilience, and brilliance of his heritage. In his designs, Johnny draws inspiration from his diverse artistic and cultural experiences that merge punk, hip-hop, and spirituality. The line heavily focuses on statement pieces that spark conversation amongst consumers.
The David Yurman GEM Awards Grant Committee members are: David Yurman, Sybil Yurman, Marion Fasel, Sam Broekema, Annie Doresca, Jennifer Gandia, Amanda Gizzi, Lauren Harwell Godfrey and Jill Newman.
GEM Awards is the industry’s most prestigious gala event, honoring individuals and companies whose work elevates the visibility and artistry of fine jewelry and timepieces. For more information on GEM Awards and the David Yurman GEM Awards Grant, visit here.
